Tencent Music Entertainment Group, an online music and audio entertainment platform based in China, has announced the renewal of its multi-year licensing agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG).
Under the renewed agreement, Tencent will maintain access to UMG’s extensive music catalogs for its music apps, including QQ Music, Kugou Music, Kuwo Music, and WeSing. The partnership also encompasses music streaming in Dolby Atmos and high-definition (HD) formats.
Adam Granite, UMG’s Executive Vice President of Market Development, expressed UMG’s commitment to working closely with Tencent Music Entertainment to create compelling experiences for fans across all of TME’s platforms. He emphasized UMG’s focus on signing and supporting the best talent from Greater China.
Cussion Pang, the Executive Chairman of TME, highlighted the deep mutual trust and invaluable partnership between UMG and TME. Pang emphasized TME’s diverse user base, large subscriber numbers, industry insights, and advanced technologies that position them as a standout partner of choice. The collaboration aims to enrich their cooperation and strengthen the vibrant ecosystem, promoting growth and prosperity.
In other news, Sphere Entertainment Co. has promoted Ed Lunger to the role of Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Las Vegas Sphere. Lunger, who previously served as Vice President and Assistant General Manager of back-of-house operations, has been a key member of the Sphere venue leadership team since 2020. He brings experience from his seven-year tenure on the venue operations team at the Forum arena in Inglewood, California. In his new position, Lunger oversees various functions related to venue management, including building operations, event production, technical operations, guest services, food and beverage, merchandise operations, and ticket operations.
AWAL, a music distribution company, has appointed Jacqueline Rossi to lead its global commercial partnerships team in North America. Rossi, who previously served as Senior Director of Global Commercial Partnerships at the label, will take on this new role. Additionally, Dale Connone, who also leads the music coalition In2une Music, will now oversee North American streaming and promotion at AWAL.
Planet Fitness has announced a partnership with Megan Thee Stallion, also known as “Mother Fitness,” to inspire gym-goers to find their “Big Fitness Energy.” The collaboration involves a multifaceted marketing campaign comprising advertising and commercial spots, a unique augmented reality (AR) filter, charitable co-branded merchandise, and free in-app workouts inspired by the Grammy-winning rapper. Planet Fitness and Megan have also jointly created an exclusive co-branded merchandise line available online at the Planet Fitness store, with proceeds benefiting the Pete & Thomas Foundation. The foundation, founded by Megan, focuses on uplifting and assisting women, children, senior citizens, and underserved communities in Houston, Texas, and around the world through education, housing, health, and wellness initiatives.
Megan expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that working out is an integral part of her routine and that the collaboration with Planet Fitness aligns with her personal values. The aim is to encourage everyone to prioritize their physical and mental health in the New Year, enabling them to reach new heights in 2024 and become the best versions of themselves.
